Feature article published in the Tasmanian Year Book, 2000 (cat. no. 1301.6)

In all States and Territories ‘not for profit’ organisations were the main source of expenditure on community service activities in 1995-96. In Tasmania ‘not for profit’ organisations accounted for 57% of the total expenditure on community service provision.

Generally, direct community service expenditure of $8,515m was outlaid among the States and Territories in a manner broadly similar to their shares of the estimated resident population of Australia; however, the types of activity on which expenditure was incurred in each State/Territory and the types of organisations providing the services varied considerably.

Residential care and accommodation support was the major community service activity in all States and Territories; however, the proportions vary from a high of 62% in New South Wales to a low of 32% in the Northern Territory. Tasmania had a relatively high expenditure on residential care and accommodation, 61%.

For child-care services, the Northern Territory was the highest, accounting for 28% of its expenditure on community services, followed by the Australian Capital territory with 23% and Tasmania with 20%. New South Wales and South Australia had the lowest proportions with 10% and 7% respectively.

In Tasmania personal and social support services that provide support for personal and social functioning in daily life accounted for 10.5% of its expenditure on community services. This was lower than any other State or Territory.